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Morning Session

October/November 2001 IBEW Journal

Showing a strong spirit of union pride, approximately 2,600 delegates plus guests, officers and staff assembled for the first day of the IBEW 36th International Convention on Monday, September 10, 2001, in the Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco, California.

Ninth District International Vice President Michael S. Mowrey opened the session presiding as temporary chairman.

A stirring opening ceremony riveted the crowd, which filled the massive hall to overflowing. The 32-unit Sword of Light Pipe and Drum Band of IBEW Local 3, New York City, filed through the hall followed by the U.S. Air Force Moffett Field Honor Guard in a presentation of the U.S. colors. Debbie Mazzanti of Local 1245, Walnut Creek, California, sang the U.S. national anthem.

First District International Vice President Donald Lounds introduced the 48th Highlanders Pipes and Drums from Toronto, the premier pipe and drum band in the Canadian military. Following a presentation of the Canadian colours by the Highlanders, Terry Wilson, wife of First District International Representative Jerry Wilson, sang the Canadian national anthem.

Archbishop William Levada of San Francisco gave the invocation, praying for "blessings on the working men and women of our country as they use their gifts and talents to promote the well-being of society and the good of every person."

Local 6, San Francisco, Business Manager John ORourke welcomed delegates to the city and introduced guest speaker San Francisco Mayor Willie L. Brown as a longtime champion of working men and women in the state of California. Mayor Brown expressed his and the citys pleasure at the IBEWs holding its convention in the "City by the Bay." He applauded the IBEW for its role at the forefront of the labor movement in a strong union city, saying, "So when you come to San Francisco, an extraordinary union town, you are doing what you do best and thats making sure that organized workers, as well as unorganized workers, get equal justice and equal pay for equal work and proper treatment in the workplace." [ Brown Speech ]

Vice President Mowrey added his own words of welcome "on behalf of the 70 local unions and over 117,000 members in the Ninth District. The IBEWs strength lies in its unity, he said. "We have many branches, but one union. This is the unity of purpose that will enable us to move forward as one IBEW. Obligation and responsibility, vision for the future, unity of purpose, these are the principles that will provide for a strong IBEW."

Entertainer Lee Greenwood sang "Proud to be an American," accompanied by dazzling pyrotechnics. He introduced a video presentation featuring the success stories of several IBEW members from various districts. "Well hear several stories this week about some of the amazing things going on in your communities," Greenwood said. "Weve chosen one story from each district, and all are examples of the power of the IBEW and the character of its members.

"Rooted in the past and with an eye on the future, the IBEW is bridging the gap between where youve come from and where you are going," Greenwood told the delegates after singing his rendition of "America the Beautiful." He spoke of the IBEW Beacon, a glowing landmark being installed atop downtown Chicagos historic Palmolive Building.

Greenwood then invited delegates to "please welcome your International President Edwin D. Hill and your International Secretary-Treasurer Jerry J. OConnor."

Following a standing ovation, President Hill was presented with two gavels specially handcrafted by IBEW members. Vice President Mowrey and Brother Ron Borst of Local 1245, Walnut Creek, California, gave President Hill a gavel made of tiger striped myrtle wood, which is very precious and rare, found only in Southern Oregon, Northern California and Israel. Business Manager John Chalovich of Local 5, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, presented President Hill with a gavel crafted from oak made by retired Local 5 member Irv Gruenbaugh.

Declaring the convention in session, President Hill then introduced the International Officers, beginning with Secretary-Treasurer OConnor. Next he introduced the International Vice Presidents: Donald Lounds, First District; Frank J. Carroll, Second District; Lawrence E. Rossa, Third District; Paul J. Witte, Fourth District; Melvin W. Horton, Fifth District; Lawrence P. Curley, Sixth District; Orville A. Tate, Jr., Seventh District; Jon F. Walters, Eighth District; Michael S. Mowrey, Ninth District; Carl Lansden, Tenth District (who was hospitalized at the time and received special mention and a special round of applause); and William C. Eads, Eleventh District. President Hill next introduced the International Executive Council: Milton L. Foster, chairman; Joseph A. "Tony" McCafferty, First District; Rui M. Carrinho, Second District; Wally Sickles, Third District; Lance Blackstock, Fourth District; Lyle Keith Querry, Fifth District; Bill J. Motley, Sixth District; Patrick Lavin, Seventh District; and John E. Cole, Eighth District.

President Hill thanked the officers for their "complete dedication to our Brotherhood and for their assistance in leading this great union." He noted that a parliamentarian, Stanley Brand, was on hand to ensure the convention would be conducted in an orderly and proper fashion. Mr. Brand, the former general counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives, was the parliamentarian at the IBEWs 1996 convention and has served as parliamentarian for several other international union conventions.

President Hill introduced a new interactive kiosk system for delegates speaking from the floor. A convention video showed delegates how to use the system, which was activated by swiping their delegate ID card through an electronic reader. [ Delegates Inaugurate Interactive Kiosks ]

Sergeant-at-Arms Committee Chairman Ray Melville, Local 3, New York, New York, announced that he had delivered the report of the Credentials Committee to the chairman of the International Executive Council, Milton L. Foster.

IEC Chairman Foster gave the initial report of the Credentials Committee stating that the total number registered as of Monday morning was 2,376 delegates and 197 alternate delegates. He reported total A membership as 331,451, and total BA membership as 442,935, for a total membership of 774,386. The credentialed delegates represented 828 locals and a total voting strength of 761,504 members. The number of locals without delegates was 159 and the number of unrepresented members, 12,882.

International Executive Council Secretary McCafferty then presented the report of the Rules and Order Committee spelling out the procedures of the convention. Following the report, President Hill clarified that the election of the three at-large International Officers would be conducted by secret ballot as required under the IBEW Constitution, as amended by the 35th International Convention in 1996. The delegates voted to adopt the report of the committee.

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